The Pittsburgh Pirates, looking to add some offensive punch for the stretch drive, acquired outfielder Marlon Byrd and catcher John Buck from the New York Mets on Tuesday.

The Pirates will send New York minor league second baseman Dilson Herrera and a player to be named in exchange for two veterans Pittsburgh hopes will help the franchise to its first playoff berth in 21 years.

Byrd, 35, is having one of the best years of his career, hitting .285/.330/.518 with 21 homers. He should be a welcome addition to a Pirate team that ranks near the bottom of the National League in runs as it tries to capture the Central Division title.

The 12-year veteran will give the Pirates needed depth in the outfield while leadoff hitter Starling Marte recovers from a wrist injury.

Buck, 33, is hitting .215/.285/.367 with 15 homers and recently was relegated to a backup role when the Mets called up prospect Travis d'Arnaud.He figures to back up Russell Martin in Pittsburgh.

Byrd and Buck are eligible to be free agents in the offseason.

Herrera, 19, was ranked as the Pirates' No. 20 prospect by Baseball America after the 2012 season. He was hitting.265/.330/.421 with three homers and 11 stolen bases for low-Class A West Virginia.